NBA Roundup: Cam Thomas’ Future, Bucks’ Lineup Shift, Tatum Inches Closer to Return
nba-roundup-cam-thomas-bucks-lineup-celtics-tatum-progress
NEW YORK — Cam Thomas’ tenure with the Brooklyn Nets appears to be winding down, with league insiders predicting a separation either before the Feb. 5 trade deadline or, more likely, during the offseason.
Nets
• Thomas, who accepted a one-year, $6 million qualifying offer last summer, holds veto power over any deal, giving him significant control of his next stop.
• Ongoing hamstring problems have limited his availability for the past season and a half, and he is shooting a career-low 40.5% from the field, factors that have cooled interest around the league.
• If no trade materializes, the 22-year-old guard will enter unrestricted free agency in July. He recently left Octagon and agent Alex Saratsis for Wasserman’s Thad Foucher, a move seen as a fresh starting point.
Bucks
ATLANTA — Milwaukee halted a three-game slide Monday by edging the Hawks after head coach Doc Rivers adjusted his starters.
• Kyle Kuzma was elevated to the opening group, while Kevin Porter Jr. shifted to the bench. The new lineup was outscored by one point in 20 minutes, and Rivers acknowledged the change may be temporary.
• The tweak was aimed at adding size. Rivers praised the bench effort overall, singling out Pete Nance for his contribution as experimentation continues.
Celtics
BOSTON — Even without Jayson Tatum, the Celtics sit at 26-16, firmly in the postseason picture.
• Tatum, sidelined by an Achilles injury, completed a one-hour on-court workout Monday with reporters watching, a departure from months of behind-the-scenes rehab.
• Head coach Joe Mazzulla deferred medical specifics but acknowledged the public session was a positive indicator of the star forward’s progress. No formal return date has been set.
The three storylines underscore shifting dynamics across the league as the trade deadline approaches and playoff positioning tightens.
Source: Hoops Wire
